Our rabbit industry growing in leaps and bounds

Rabbit farming in Zimbabwe has been a niche industry for several years, with limited, informal production and markets. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable upswing in the development of a more formalised, commercialised and structured industry for rabbit production and marketing.

Under the auspices of the Livestock Meat and Advisory Council (LMAC) the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) was formed in 2020.

With Regis Nyamakanga as its president, the association has sought to improve awareness of the potential of rabbit production (also known as cuniculture) in Zimbabwe and over the past five years, the Association has led the transformation of rabbit farming from a backyard activity into a vibrant and lucrative business enterprise.

Through this collective action being taken to develop the industry, Nyamakanga says this sector holds “immense potential for Zimbabwe’s future”.

Global trade figures

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that around 1.2 billion rabbits are slaughtered globally on an annual basis.

In 2017, China was the world’s largest producer with 62.9% of global production, followed by North Korea (10.4%), Spain (3.9%) and Egypt 3.8%.

By the end of 2019, Germany, Belgium and Italy were leading importers of rabbit meat, accounting for 21%, 19.2% and 9.3% of global imports respectively.

Zimbabwe rabbit production

Most rabbits raised in Zimbabwe are for meat production according to the Zicorba president, Nyamakanga.

The rabbit industry is poised to play a significant role in the growth of Zimbabwe's small livestock sector. “With a target to uplift the livelihoods of 1.8 million households over the next five years, we are on the path to improving lives, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.

This is particularly important for our youth and women in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas, where opportunities in rabbit farming are unlocking pathways to prosperity,” according to Nyamakanga.

“The demand for rabbit meat-rated as the healthiest white meat-continues to surge, with monthly consumption now estimated upwards of 10 tonnes. To address this growing appetite, ZICORBA and its partners will implement innovative measures such as contract growing schemes, accessible loan facilities for farmers, and rabbit production programs in schools and colleges. The introduction of artificial insemination programs will further enhance our productivity, ensuring that supply can meet this burgeoning demand.

“Zimbabwe has also taken the lead in value addition, with products such as rabbit burgers, pies, samoosas, polony, sausages, and biltong gaining popularity in local markets. These innovations highlight the creativity and dedication of our industry players. At the same time, ZICORBA is exploring collaborations with insurance providers to safeguard rabbit farmers from potential risks and with experts to develop local vaccines to mitigate disease challenges.

“Looking ahead, we are excited to announce plans for a Rabbit Expo, a platform where farmers from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries will showcase their breeds and exchange knowledge. This initiative will not only strengthen regional cooperation but also highlight our commitment to excellence and growth.

“With an estimated 15,000 rabbit farmers and the potential to grow the industry from its current USD 2.5 million valuation to a USD 25 million enterprise in short to medium term and to USD 100 million in the long term, we are on the brink of unprecedented success. However, achieving this goal requires our collective hard work, focus, dedication, innovation, and collaboration.”

Rabbit producer, Tatendaishe C. Ukama, based in Chirumhanzu, Midlands

Rabbit producer, Tatendaishe C. Ukama, based in Chirumhanzu, Midlands, echoes these sentiments when it comes to demand. “The market is there, and the biggest market so far is Raymeg Abattoir, Supermarket and distribution centre, and there are many more outlets besides”.

The attraction of rearing rabbits, according to Tatendaishe C. Ukama, is that primarily, the enterprise is lucrative. It can also be done in any environment with more or limited space. Furthermore, in Zimbabwe, demand for rabbits currently outstrips supply.

When it comes to rabbit production, Ukama says there are health and biosecurity considerations protocols which must be followed. He cites the example of recent events destroying many rabbit operations, with rabbits dying and farmers not being able to identify the cause and disease. It is suspected that it was a deadly haemorrhage disease and that it may have come from live rabbits imported from South Africa. South African local demand for rabbit meat remains below production levels according to their National Agricultural Marketing Council and rabbit meat and live rabbits are imported into Zimbabwe from South Africa

Ukama continues that there are also many pests that can be problematic in rabbit breeding, such as mites, lice, worms and there are diseases such as ear canker etc but if the the farmer observes cleanliness and hygiene at their rabbitries, there will be less pests and diseases outbreaks. Just like other livestock, there are many diseases that can affect production.

Farm-grown feed such as fodder, pastures and weeds may be great feeds for rabbit. However, farmers must know which feed has protein, carbohydrates, fibre and roughage so they can make an on-farm total mixing ratio (TMR) that provides a balanced diet to rabbits. Problems may arise should the farmer use weeds, pastures and fodder which are poisonous to the rabbits.

In the instance of commercially produced feeds, according to Ukama, sometimes the feed supply can be less than demand (and costly), and this has the knock-on effect of limiting and reducing their rabbit growth cycle.

When it comes to housing infrastructure, there are outdoor cages and indoor cages. Ukama himself, from his experience, prefers indoor cages. Why? Because with indoor cages there is more bio-security control (rabbits can be easily negatively affected by their surrounding environment, as they are sensitive).

Ukama’s top rabbit rearing tips

1. Start small: Just like it is advised in every business start-up. Begin with a few rabbits and gradually expand your farm as you gain experience and confidence.
2. Choose the right breed: Select a breed that is well-suited to your management system, and market demand. We have many markets in the rabbit industry (meat, pet, skin and fur markets).
3. Provide proper housing: Ensure that your rabbit housing is clean, dry, and well-ventilated. The cages should be spacious enough to allow the rabbits to move around comfortably. Since we're in a country with a high number of sunny days and especially given the high number of heatwaves recently experienced, make the shade your priority. As rabbits are sensitive to heat, they are easily wiped out by heatstroke.
4. Nutrition is key: Provide a balanced diet that includes high-quality pellets, hay, and clean water. Make strategical feeding schedules and rations considering what you want to achieve, remember there is issues of Body Scoring Conditions in rabbit production just like in all other livestock businesses.
5. Health checks are crucial: Regularly monitor your rabbits' health and look out for signs of illness or stress. Consult anyone experienced in rabbit care if you have any concerns.
6. Breeding and selection: Develop a breeding program that selects desirable traits such as fertility, growth rate, and disease resistance.
7. Keep accurate records: Maintain detailed records of your rabbit farm, including breeding, births, deaths, and sales. This will help you make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.
8. Be prepared to adapt: Cuniculture can be unpredictable, and you need to be prepared to adapt to changes in the market, climate, or disease outbreaks. I have experienced this and l'm still healing and building from the lessons.
9. Learn from others: Network with other rabbit farmers, attend workshops and conferences, and join online forums to learn from others and stay up to date with the latest developments in cuniculture. Be part of associations like Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association ZICORBA.
10. Stay passionate and patient: Rabbit farming can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it requires dedication, hard work, and patience. Stay passionate about your work, and you'll be more likely to succeed.